The November youth focus began at 6:00 p.m. with an Asian-inspired dinner that included lumpia (Filipino egg rolls), Chinese style pork, and fried rice. Dessert was an entirely American spice cake with caramel sauce and whipped cream! Everything was delicious.

After a time of singing, Diana Erdmann spoke briefly about the difference between volunteering and serving in the Christian sense. She pointed out that Jesus calls for servants who will give their all for the Gospel. Then she introduced a panel of six individuals who serve in different areas around the church. Gary Sletmoe served as a moderator and interviewed them, asking each person about their roles and responsibilities.

Some of the jobs included coordinating food for church meals, working in the church office, teaching Sunday school, driving a Sunday school van, directing the choir and orchestra, and working on the maintenance team. The panel’s comments brought out that God has a unique plan for each person’s life, and it includes serving Him in some way. While the types of jobs may vary greatly, one aspect is constant—those who serve God must have willing and obedient hearts.

After the interviews, Ryan Erdmann read from Ephesians 4:1-3 and reminded the young people that they need to be students of the Word—not only reading it, but studying it and applying it to their lives. He said that reading and praying help people hear and answer God’s call in their lives. Not everyone has the same calling, but everyone is called to be faithful to God. Brother Ryan described several aspects of being faithful, including humility, gentleness, patience, meekness, and love. He closed by reminding the group that everyone who is saved is a servant of Christ. He is their Master, and He will help them do the jobs they have been given. The evening ended with a time of prayer.

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